Case studies: Research chemist: Dave

Dave completed an undergraduate degree and a PhD in chemistry at university...

I chose a career as a scientific laboratory technician because of my interest in science which began at a really young age. I currently work for a small company which produces chemical components used in a host of consumer applications, ranging from hair dyes, pharmaceuticals and photographic films/prints to ophthalmic sunglasses and fluorescent yellow tennis balls.

My current employer sponsored my PhD studies, but I didn't join them straight away after university. Instead, I worked for a pharmaceutical company for two years, and then, when I was ready for a change, I gave this company a speculative call. It was very useful to have contacts, and I was fortunate that there was an opportunity for me.

To do lab technician work in chemistry, you need a minimum of a degree, but for more in-depth research and process work, a PhD is essential. I'd also add that it's really important to enjoy the subject and not pursue this career path purely for the money. As much as chemistry can be rewarding, it can also be frustrating when things don't work. I'd say that to succeed at this job you have to be the kind of person who is not deterred by obstacles and problems.

Both my degrees taught me many useful skills including analytical skills and problem-solving skills. It's important to think logically when tackling a problem. I also developed creative thinking and practical lab skills. My PhD helped me to develop my research skills, for example how to use electronic resources and chemical search engines.

I'd say that both my degrees in chemistry were very relevant to securing my position. I do know of another person who started out as a microbiologist, but on the whole, most people in my field are chemists.

My role includes looking at process development and method improvement. We have a full-scale chemical plant, and I am involved in helping produce more efficiency, higher yields and lower operational costs. Away from process development, one of the best parts of my job is 'blue sky' research which means that I work on creating new molecules which no one has made before.

While my basic role has not changed over the years, I have become more involved in quality control work and analytical chemistry. My previous job was with a larger company where I was able to move from lab chemist to a supervisory role. I enjoy my job but do realise that there may be better opportunities for promotion in larger organisations.

My job is very challenging and varied. Having a problem and finding a way around it is brilliant, and the 'blue sky' research - where I am doing stuff that no one's done before and breaking new ground - is very rewarding.

I intend to stay within chemistry but would alert graduate job seekers to the fact that over the last ten years, the chemistry job market in the UK has got smaller. Much of the large-scale research and manufacturing has moved east to countries such as China and India.